Myths and Legends of China

Page: 122

1 in which they are described in the order in which they became Immortals.

Li T’ieh-kuai

Li T’ieh-kuai, depicted always with his crutch and gourd full of magic medicines, was of the family name of Li, his own name
being Li Yüan (Hs’üan, now read Yüan). He is also known as K’ung-mu. Hsi Wang Mu cured him of an ulcer on the leg and taught
him the art of becoming immortal. He was canonized as Rector of the East. He is said to have been of commanding stature and
dignified mien, devoting himself solely to the study of Taoist lore. Hsi Wang Mu made him a present of an iron crutch, and
sent him to the capital to teach the doctrine of immortality to Han Chung-li.

He is also identified with Li Ning-yang, to whom Lao Tzŭ descended from Heaven in order to instruct him in the wisdom of the
gods. Soon after he had completed his course of instruction his soul left his body to go on a visit to Hua Shan. Some say
he was summoned by Lao Tzŭ, others that Lao Tzŭ engaged him as escort to the countries of Hsi Yü. He left his disciple Lang
Ling in charge of his body, saying that if he did not return within seven days he was to have the body cremated. Unfortunately,
when only six days had elapsed the disciple was called away to the death-bed of his mother. In order to be able to leave at
once he cremated the body forthwith, and when the soul returned it found only a heap of ashes. Page 290Some say the body was not cremated, but only became devitalized through neglect or through being uninhabited for so long a
time. The object of the setting of the watch was not only to prevent injury to or theft of the body, but also to prevent any
other soul from taking up its abode in it.

In a forest near by a beggar had just died of hunger. Finding this corpse untenanted, the wandering spirit entered it through
the temples, and made off. When he found that his head was long and pointed, his face black, his beard and hair woolly and
dishevelled, his eyes of gigantic size, and one of his legs lame, he wished to get out of this vile body; but Lao Tzŭ advised
him not to make the attempt and gave him a gold band to keep his hair in order, and an iron crutch to help his lame leg. On
lifting his hand to his eyes, he found they were as large as buckles. That is why he was called Li K’ung-mu, ‘Li Hollow Eyes.’
Popularly he is known as Li T’ieh-kuai, ‘Li with the Iron Crutch.’ No precise period seems to be assigned to his career on
earth, though one tradition places him in the Yüan dynasty. Another account says that he was changed into a dragon, and in
that form ascended to Heaven.